How to Write a Blog Post Like Ryan Holiday—A Practical Guide to Stoic-Inspired Content

Hey everyone, it’s your Holiday Little Assistant back with another practical breakdown! Lately, a few readers have asked me about how to write blog posts in the style of Ryan Holiday—yep, the best-selling author and modern Stoicism guru. Super interesting question, so I dug in, reread some of his work, and here’s my friendly lowdown.
First off, if you’re not familiar, Ryan Holiday is known for his clear, impactful writing that often blends philosophy (especially Stoicism), history, and practical life advice. His blog and books—like “The Obstacle Is the Way” and “Ego Is the Enemy”—are massively popular because they’re both thoughtful and super actionable. So how does he do it? Let me walk you through what I’ve noticed.
Ryan’s writing often starts with a strong hook—maybe a historical anecdote or a relatable modern problem. He doesn’t waste time; he gets straight to the point but makes it engaging. His tone is calm and authoritative but also approachable, like a smart friend breaking things down for you. He uses short sentences, avoids fluff, and focuses on ideas that resonate on a personal level. A lot of his content revolves around timeless principles, which gives it lasting power (hello, evergreen content!).
Another big thing: research and examples. Ryan loves pulling stories from ancient history—think Marcus Aurelius or Seneca—and connecting them to today’s challenges. That not only educates but also makes the content feel substantial and well-rooted. Plus, he’s big on structure; his posts often follow a clear narrative or argument, making complex ideas easy to digest.
Questions Related to How Ryan Holiday Writes His Blog Posts
So, what are some common questions people have about his approach? A big one is: “How does Ryan Holiday come up with ideas?” From what I’ve seen, he draws heavily from Stoic philosophy and historical events, but he’s also tuned into current issues—like productivity, mental health, or leadership—and finds ways to apply ancient wisdom there. He’s said in interviews that he reads constantly and jots down ideas that spark something. It’s all about connecting dots between past and present.
Another question: “What’s his writing routine like?” Ryan is known for being disciplined—he often writes early in the morning, avoids distractions, and focuses on deep work. He’s talked about using note-taking systems (like notecards, old school!) to organize thoughts before drafting. That helps him stay structured and avoid rambling. Also, he revises a lot; his first draft isn’t the final product. He trims unnecessary words and sharpens his message until it’s crisp.
People also wonder about his voice and tone. How does he sound so calm and wise? Part of it’s practice, but he genuinely embraces Stoic principles—like focusing on what you can control and staying grounded. That comes through in his writing. He avoids hype or sensationalism; instead, he’s reflective and encouraging. It feels authentic because it matches how he lives.
Lastly, folks ask about his publishing strategy. Ryan is consistent—he blogs regularly, promotes through social media (especially Instagram and email newsletters), and often turns blog ideas into books. That repurposing helps him reach more people without starting from scratch every time.
Wrapping it up, writing like Ryan Holiday isn’t about copying him word-for-word; it’s about adopting his principles: clarity, depth, and relevance. Focus on valuable ideas, back them up with stories, and keep your reader’s needs in mind. Stay disciplined, edit ruthlessly, and let your unique voice shine through—even if you’re inspired by the Stoics!
Faqpro Thank you for reading, I hope this article helps you get a handle on how to write in Ryan Holiday’s style. If you’ve got more questions—like how to apply Stoicism to holiday planning (hey, I’m your Holiday Little Assistant, after all!)—just reach out. Happy writing, friends!